Destinations the whole family will love!

She knows what’s up—vacationing at Si Como No!

SI COMO NO WEBSITE

ALERT AXL ROSE, WE’VE FOUND AN ECO-PARADISE CITY…OR RESORT…WHATEVER, YOU GET THE POINT)

I doubt you’ll actually find the swaggering Guns and Roses frontman at this amazing eco-conscious Costa Rican resort. Unless he’s traded in babes and booze for acres of wildlife refuge at his feet, butterfly botanical gardens and family-friendly lodging, including a special kids pool with waterslide. Well, there is a swim-up bar, so you never know… (more…)

this is how I imagine my childhood was

In case you all missed it, last month I was asked to write a little something for my friends at The Little Seed. I was of course extremely flattered because their store is one of my faves for shopping. And not just for kids, I mean, hands-down. Here’s where you can read the post:

kiddieuptravel on thelittleseed

Started by two amazing moms in Los Angeles, The Little Seed is the source for eco-friendly goods for the kiddos. If you can, visit their store in the Larchmont neighborhood of LA, a fantastic spot in and of itself. It’s so clean but warm and fuzzy. Upscale but also stocks lots of reasonably priced items. They lovely ladies who started it are kind of living my dream lives, so it’s always bittersweet for me to visit. Then I grab a tube of my favorite hand cream and an adorable stuffed Pear for my son, Merrit and *poof*, my envy just disappears. Funny how shopping can do that for you.

And if you can’t make it to the store in-person you can visit them, and shop, ‘natch, at TheLittleSeed.com or their new online storefront on Amazon.com.

P.S. Congrats again on the new storefront on Amazon, ladies!

“dad, you’re scaring me.”

Waimea Plantation Cottages
WWW.WAIMEAPLANTATION.COM

GET THE ENTIRE FAMILY ON ISLAND TIME

Imagine your own private cottage furnished with tasteful rattan and bamboo furniture (hard to break, no sharp edges), set on an expansive grass lawn (your toddler might just tire themselves out running on its even surface), each with its own kitchen (demands for juice can be easily fulfilled averting a total meltdown), and far enough from the other cabins for a little privacy (the neighbors won’t hear your kid crying because you won’t let them take their pet crab to bed with them, or you crying because they’re insisting on taking their pet crab to bed). Ahhh…paradise.

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rockin’ the family fun at the Omni

FAMILY SLUMBER PACKAGES ONLY $499

Omni San Diego slumber package

Yes, it is sad that you’ve had to put the trip to the Bahamas is on hold for the moment while your portfolio stablizes. But the fully-staffed, gorgeously remote villa on Nassua will be there when the market bounces back. I promise. In the meantime, channel your inner Mr. & Mrs. Howell (weren’t Gilligan and the crew leaving from San Diego for their 3 hour tour?) and check in to the Omni Hotel San Diego. Now through December 31, 2009, the Omni is offering their Family Slumber Party Package for $499, so you and the family vacation like it’s 2007, while spending like it’s 2009.

Included in the deal:

• 2 nights luxury accommodations

• one in-room movie per day, popcorn & soda included

• breakfast for 2 adults + 2 kids

• complimentary valet parking

Located in the Gaslight District and a baseball’s throw away from PETCO park (if you have any A-Rod/Madonna sightings, contact me immediatement!!!), the Omni is one of the hotels where modern design doesn’t mean it’s not mini-friendly. While you’re not right on the beach, you’re right across from the harbor and Coronado Island (see my review of the Hotel del Coronado). And do you really need all that messy sand when you’ve got a rooftop pool? Given the choice, I’d give up sun and surf for sun and Sangria-via-poolside-service.

And a few other notes notes:

• sign up (free) for the member’s program to earn frequent flyer miles, complimentary wi-fi and other goodies

• winner of a 2006 TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for best luxury hotel

Omni Hotel San Diego website

photo credits: images from tripadvisor.com and Omni Hotel San Diego